Our feathered friends are incredibly crafty- able to build nests virtually anywhere their hearts desire. The trouble for us is that birds build their nests anywhere! This includes door frames, windows, and even mailboxes.
Of all the places to build nests, mailboxes happen to be one of the most inconvenient places. A nesting bird will become protective of its nest, meaning you and your mailman could be ambushed by a furious bird when you go near your mailbox.
To prevent a bird from building a nest, there are a variety of things you could do that aren’t harmful to birds or your mailbox.
Play with light
Birds actually get pretty freaked out by flashing lights. Now, you don’t have to install a strobe light in your mailbox. There are other ways to achieve flashing lights without an actual light. Reflective tape or mirrors will cause flashes of light as the bird draws near and will soon deter the bird away from your mailbox.
Make it slick
A very non-traditional but simple hack, cooking spray is an easy way to create a slick surface so birds cannot perch on or in the mailbox.
Waive birds goodbye
Another simple hack that is harmless to birds is the addition of a flag. Even a small flag attached to a mailbox can render birds confused. They will not be able to tell if a waiving flag is a predator or not.
Apply chicken wire
If your mailbox post has a slot underneath, birds will inevitably try and nest there. To keep them out while keeping up your curb appeal, block the entrance with a bit of chicken wire.
Deter with decoys
If you don’t mind the look of a large, fake bird perched on your mailbox, this may be the perfect method for you. Attaching a fake bird of substantial size, such as a hawk or eagle, will trick smaller birds into believing a predator is perched on your mailbox. This will inevitably keep nesting birds away.
Distract with feeders
While it isn’t 100% foolproof, bird feeders can distract birds looking to nest. Birds typically will choose food over finding a new home any day.
Count on a cat
f you don’t have an outdoor cat and you are open to the idea of one, this is another excellent way to keep birds away. Once they see a fluffy cat prowling around your yard, birds will ensure they nest somewhere safer. And, purchasing a cat means that you get a new fluffy friend! It is a win-win situation!
If birds have already nested in your mailbox, you may want to invest in a new one since nesting isn’t the only activity that happens there. No one wants a bird poop-stained mailbox! Our recommendation for a new mailbox and mailbox post is Royal Crowne. Located in Lancaster County, PA, Royal Crowne handcrafts beautiful mailboxes and posts fit for any home and style. Head to the Royal Crowne website today to find your perfect, bird-free mailbox.
